Emergency lowering device and method for a patient floor hoist

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency lowering device (1) for a patient floor hoist comprising a brake sub assembly (3) cooperating with an electrical motor (4) and a transmission unit (5). The transmission unit (5) is cooperating with a drum (6) comprising a drum axis (7) adapted to wind a cord connected to a patient lifting device. A brake release arm (10) is pivotably connected to a latch connecting member and operable to engage with a brake fork arranged in the brake sub assembly (3). The emergency lowering device (1) is designed with a resistor (13) that is in communication with the electrical motor (4) to dissipate electrical energy generated when the patient lifting device is lowered by gravity.

Description

[0001] EMERGENCY LOWERING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A PATIENT FLOOR HOIST

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application generally relates to an emergency lowering device for a patient floor hoist, and more particularly to a mechanism arranged in a system designed to safely and efficiently lower a patient in emergency situations, which emergency situation may be as a result from power failure. The present application further relates to a patient floor hoist arranged to function with an emergency lowering device, as well as a method for emergency lowering a patient carried by the patient floor hoist.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] A patient floor hoist is a crucial device in healthcare settings, designed to safely lift and transfer patients with limited mobility. These hoists are typically powered by electricity and controlled via a hand-held remote or control panel. However, one significant issue that can arise is a power failure, which can pose serious challenges, especially when a patient is already lifted.

[0006] The patent application GB2155877A outlines various aspects of patient hoists, including safety mechanisms and operational features. One of the critical problems addressed in this patent is the need for a reliable method to lower a patient safely during a power outage.

[0007] When a power failure occurs, the primary concern is the inability to operate the hoist's motor, which is responsible for lifting and lowering the patient. This situation can be particularly dangerous if the patient is suspended in mid-air, as it can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and potential injury. To mitigate this risk, various attempts has been made to equip patient hoists with manual lowering mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed to be operable without the need for electrical power.

[0008] The manual lowering process typically involves a mechanical release system that allows the caregiver to gradually lower the patient to a safe position. This system may include a hand crank or a lever that disengages the motor's locking mechanism, enabling the hoist to descend. It is essential for caregivers to be trained in using these manual systems to ensure patient safety during emergencies, which without proper training may result in that the patient is lowered without control.

[0009] In addition to manual lowering features, some hoists may have backup battery systems that provide temporary power to complete the lowering process. A problem with such system may be if the batteries, for example, are not charged whereby it will cause challenges to lower a patient.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the invention as described here forth in this text is to overcome a problem for safely lowering a patient in a power failed patient floor hoist. The invention as described provides solutions for efficiently dissipating electrical energy generated during emergency lowering, managing braking friction, and controlling rotation velocity of a drive axis of an electrical motor to ensure a controlled and safe descent of the patient. It is considered the mention object is achieved in accordance with claims 1 , 16 and 17.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention are associated with various advantages and / or technical effects.

[0013] There is disclosed an emergency lowering device for a patient floor hoist comprising a brake sub assembly cooperating with an electrical motor and a transmission unit, a drum with a drum axis connected to the transmission unit and adapted to wind a cord connected to a patient lifting device, a brake release arm pivotably connected to a latch connecting member and operable to engage with a brake fork arranged in the brake sub assembly. To this, the emergency lowering device is designed with a resistor that is in communication with the electrical motor, in which the resistor is adapted to dissipate electrical energy generated by the electrical motor during lowering of the patient lifting device by gravity.

[0014] The inclusion of a resistor in communication with the electrical motor provides a means to safely dissipate electrical energy, which enhances the safety of the device during emergency lowering operations. The resistor helps to control the descent speed of the patient lifting device by converting excess kinetic energy into heat, thereby preventing uncontrolled or rapid descent that could harm the patient or an operator assisting the patient.

[0015] This design feature allows for a controlled emergency release of the patient lifting device even in the event of power failure, ensuring that the patient can be lowered without the need for an external power source.

[0016] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a first C shaped part with a first opening and a second C shaped part with a second opening, arranged in such a way that the first C shaped part and the second C shaped part are connected at their respective middle sections, with the first opening and second opening facing in opposite directions.

[0017] The interconnection of the first and second C-shaped parts at their respective middle sections provides a robust and stable structure that can withstand the mechanical stresses encountered during the operation of the hoist.

[0018] The opposing orientations of the first and second openings facilitate easy access for maintenance and inspection, improving the serviceability of the emergency lowering device.

[0019] This configuration allows for a compact design that can be easily integrated into the existing structure of patient floor hoists without requiring significant modifications.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first opening is arranged to cooperate with a brake membrane that is cooperative arranged in the first opening and adapted to cooperate with the brake release arm arranged to apply a pressure force against the brake membrane.

[0021] The arrangement of the first opening to cooperate with a brake membrane ensures precise engagement of the brake release arm, leading to reliable activation and deactivation of the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism in the brake sub assembly may have a mechanical functionality with its braking effect dependent on friction between components in the brake sub assembly.

[0022] During normal operation of the patient floor hoist and there is no power failure, the brake release arm is arranged in position applying a force against the brake membrane. During the normal operation, the velocity of lifting and lowering the patient with the patient floor hoist is controlled by the electrical motor in the patient floor hoist. Upon a power failure, to prevent the patient to start being lowered uncontrollable towards the floor, the brake release arm deactivates by releasing its applied force against the brake membrane. This has the effect the brake sub assembly is being set in a mechanical braking mode whereby the patient cannot be lowered or raised by the patient floor hoist.

[0023] Upon that the brake release arm is affected by force from an operator, the brake release arm will provide a pressure force against the brake membrane and a controlled release of braking action is activated in the brake sub assembly. The controlled release of the braking action contributes to a smooth operation of the emergency lowering device.

[0024] The cooperative arrangement between the brake membrane and the brake release arm allows for a fail-safe mechanism that ensures the brake is engaged in the event of a system failure, enhancing the overall safety of the device.

[0025] In an embodiment, the brake membrane comprising a slot extending from a first edge portion of the brake membrane and towards an opposite second edge portion of the brake membrane.

[0026] The slot in the brake membrane allows for a degree of flexibility, which can absorb and distribute the force applied by the brake release arm, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure due to stress concentration.

[0027] The presence of the slot enables the brake membrane to conform to variations in the contact point pressure, ensuring consistent braking performance even under varying load conditions.

[0028] The design of the slot extending from one edge of the brake membrane to the opposite edge allows for an even distribution of force across the brake membrane, which can prolong the lifespan of the component by minimizing wear.

[0029] In an embodiment, the brake membrane is flexible with respect to parts of the brake membrane divided by the slot, and which slot and mention parts of the brake membrane are arranged to receive and cooperate with a contact point arranged on the brake release arm. The flexibility of the brake membrane material in conjunction with the slot design allows for a more responsive engagement with the contact point on the brake release arm, providing a smoother transition into the braking state.

[0030] The slot and the flexible parts of the brake membrane that cooperate with the contact point on the brake release arm enable a self-adjusting mechanism that can compensate for wear or thermal expansion, maintaining consistent activation and deactivation of braking performance over time.

[0031] This design minimizes the risk of brake membrane deformation or damage during repeated use, which can lead to reduced maintenance requirements and increased reliability of the emergency lowering device.

[0032] In an embodiment, the brake fork is arranged between a frontal plate and a pressure actuator of the brake sub assembly and upon the applied pressure force against the brake membrane the pressure actuator is adopted to move away from the frontal plate reducing, or removing, a braking friction against a brake pad arranged between the frontal plate and the pressure actuator.

[0033] The inclusion of a brake fork enhances the reliability of the braking mechanism by ensuring consistent separation of the pressure actuator from the frontal plate, thereby providing precise control over the braking force applied.

[0034] The arrangement facilitates a quick response in the braking system, allowing for rapid reduction or cessation of braking friction, which is critical for applications requiring immediate stoppage or speed modulation.

[0035] In an embodiment, the brake pad is arranged cooperating with a drive axis having a parallel extension with an imaginary center axis extending through the brake sub assembly.

[0036] The alignment of the brake pad with the drive axis extending through a center of the brake pad ensures uniform wear and tear, leading to an extended lifespan of the braking components and reduced maintenance requirements.

[0037] This configuration allows for a more compact design of the braking system, which further contributes to a more efficient use of space within the device. In an embodiment, the drive axis and the drum axis having a cooperative arrangement whereby upon the gravity force affects to generate rotational movement of the drum axis, the rotational movement from the drum axis is transferred to the drive axis having a cooperative relationship with the electrical motor.

[0038] The cooperative arrangement between the drum axis and the drive axis enables a seamless transfer of rotational movement, which optimizes the energy efficiency of the system by harnessing gravity to assist in the motion.

[0039] This feature allows for the possibility of energy recovery, as the rotational movement generated by gravity can be converted into electrical energy by the motor, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the device.

[0040] In an embodiment, the brake sub assembly is arranged with a switch, which switch is in communication with the resistor and the electrical motor and arranged to engage the resistor to dissipate energy that is generated by the electrical motor during emergency lowering.

[0041] The integration of a switch in communication with the resistor and the electrical motor provides a safety mechanism that can quickly dissipate excess energy during emergency lowering, protecting both the device and the operator.

[0042] The switch's ability to engage the resistor ensures that the electrical motor's generated energy is effectively managed, preventing potential damage due to overheating or overloading of the motor's components.

[0043] In an embodiment, the switch is arranged with a push-button adopted to cooperate with the brake release arm to be positioned in an activation resistor mode or non-active resistor mode such that when in an active resistor mode the switch is adopted to affect and adjust connections of phases in the electrical motor.

[0044] The switch's design, featuring a push-button that interacts with the brake release arm, offers the operator a user-friendly interface to toggle between active and nonactive resistor modes, enhancing the usability of the device.

[0045] By allowing the switch to adjust connections of phases in the electrical motor, the device can achieve finer control over motor performance, which can lead to improved precision in operations and energy savings during various modes of operation. In an embodiment, the switch is arranged against an upper surface of a housing of the brake sub assembly with the push-button arranged facing the brake release arm.

[0046] The arrangement of the switch arranged against the upper surface of the housing provides easy accessibility for the operator. This arrangement also allows a compact design of the brake sub assembly.

[0047] Positioning the push-button to face the brake release arm ensures a direct and reliable mechanical action, reducing the risk of malfunction or delayed response when the brake system is operated.

[0048] In an embodiment, the brake release arm via a communication mean comprises a first end and a second end, which second end is communicating with a handle arranged with a front side of a center module of the patient floor hoist.

[0049] The communication between the first and second ends with the handle on the front side of the center module facilitates intuitive control for the user, enhancing the ergonomics and usability of the patient floor hoist.

[0050] By integrating the handle with the center module, the design consolidates control features, which may contribute to a more streamlined and compact structure of the patient floor hoist. In addition, it may reduce risk a patient or an operator accidently would be caught with the handle or accidently pull the handle.

[0051] In an embodiment, the communication mean is a steel wire with the first end arranged with the brake release arm and the second arm arranged with the handle arranged to transmit a pulling action to the brake release arm.

[0052] Utilizing a steel wire to connect the brake release arm with the handle ensures a durable and robust means of communication that can withstand repeated use and the physical stresses associated with operating the brake mechanism.

[0053] The direct transmission of a pulling action to the brake release arm via the steel wire provides a simple and effective mechanical linkage, minimizing the potential for complex failures and simplifying maintenance and repair processes.

[0054] In an embodiment, the communication mean is arranged in a conduit arranged along a backside of the center module arranged against a column of the patient floor hoist. The arrangement of the communication mean within a conduit along the backside of the center module protects the communication system from external damage and contamination, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the device.

[0055] By routing the communication mean against the column of the patient floor hoist, the design minimizes interference with other components and reduces the risk of accidental entanglement or snagging during operation.

[0056] In an embodiment, the device is arranged with the resistor having an arrangement in the emergency lowering device of the patient floor hoist such that the resistor, apart from a connecting surface of the resistor for connecting the resistor against a heat resistance surface area of the patient floor hoist, is spaced apart from neighboring components of the patient floor hoist.

[0057] The spatial separation of the resistor from neighboring components minimizes the risk of heat transfer, which could otherwise lead to overheating and potential damage to neighboring components as well as to the patient floor hoist.

[0058] The strategic placement of the resistor allows for efficient heat dissipation by utilizing a connecting surface for thermal conduction, ensuring that the emergency lowering device operates within safe temperature ranges and maintains performance reliability.

[0059] There is disclosed a patient floor hoist comprising an emergency lowering device as described above.

[0060] The inclusion of an emergency lowering device enhances the safety features of the patient floor hoist, providing a reliable mechanism for lowering the patient in the event of a power failure, thereby reducing the risk of injury to both the patient and the operator. In this text, an operator can be a caregiver.

[0061] The emergency lowering device is designed to be manually operable, ensuring that it can be activated without the need for external power sources, which is particularly beneficial in situations where electrical power is unavailable or unreliable.

[0062] The emergency lowering device's integration into the patient floor hoist contributes to a seamless and user-friendly operation, allowing caregivers to quickly and efficiently respond to emergency situations without the need for additional tools or equipment.

[0063] There is disclosed a method for emergency lowering a patient arranged in a power failed patient floor hoist, the patient floor hoist comprising an emergency lowering device as described above. The method is adopted to comprise the following steps:

[0064] - applying a pulling force from a handle being in communication with a brake release arm arranged on an emergency lowering device;

[0065] - applying a pushing force by the brake release arm against a brake membrane of a brake sub assembly;

[0066] - releasing braking friction of a brake pad cooperating with a drive axis and which brake pad is arranged in the brake sub assembly;

[0067] - applying a pushing force by the brake release arm against a push-button arranged on a switch having a communicative relationship with an electrical motor, which electrical motor is arranged with the brake sub assembly;

[0068] - activating an electrical connectivity between the electrical motor and the resistor when the push-button is affected by the pushing force from the brake release arm;

[0069] - generating electrical energy from the electrical motor when a drive axis associated with the electrical motor is rotating because of a gravity force applied on a cord arranged with a drum axis, which drum axis cooperates with the drive axis;

[0070] - dissipating electrical energy from the electrical motor to the resistor;

[0071] - reducing rotation velocity of the drive axis as electrical energy is dissipating from the electrical motor to the resistor during the rotation of the drive axis.

[0072] The method for emergency lowering ensures a controlled descent of the patient by releasing braking friction in a gradual manner, which minimizes the risk of abrupt movements that could potentially cause harm to the patient.

[0073] The generation and dissipation of electrical energy to a resistor as part of the lowering process provides a means to effectively manage the descent speed, ensuring a smooth and steady lowering of the patient without relying on external power sources. In an embodiment, the resistor is arranged, and adopted, to convert electrical energy to thermal energy. An effect of this is that the resistor may be adopted to take that electrical energy from the electrical motor and convert it into thermal energy, which is essentially heat. Apart from regulating the rotational velocity of the electrical motor during emergency lowering, the resistor may have the further benefit it may prevent the motor from overheating and ensures the system operates efficiently and safely. Because of the resistor, the system’s performance may extend the lifespan of the electrical motor by preventing potential damage from possible excess energy.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. Embodiments of the application will now be described with reference to the attached drawings:

[0076] Figure 1 shows a patient floor hoist;

[0077] Figure 2 shows an emergency lowering device;

[0078] Figure 3 shows a brake sub assembly;

[0079] Figure 4 shows a center module.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Fig. 1 illustrates a patient floor hoist 2. The patient floor hoist 2 is designed to lift and transport patients safely. The patient floor hoist 2 comprises a base 50 being arranged with a lower frame 48 and wheels 47. The lower frame 48 and wheels 47 are arranged to have a low and compact design to allow the patient floor hoist 2 to be moved into a position with the lower frame 48 and wheels 47 to be arranged under a hospital bed. On an upper side of the base 50 a column 41 is arranged. The column 41 is arranged against the base 50 via a lower part 58 of the column 41. The patient floor hoist 2 is arranged with a steering bar 73 to steer and manoeuvre the patient floor hoist 2. The steering bar 73 is arranged against the column 41 on a side of the column 41 and at a height allowing a caregiver or operator to comfortably hold his or hers hands on it for pushing and steering. Against an opposite side of the column 41 , a lifting arm 51 is arranged. The lifting arm 51 is movable arranged along the column 41 for lifting or lowering a patient arranged to be carried by a patient lifting device 9. The patient lifting device 9 is connected to a cord 8. The cord 8 is guided via an end part of the lifting arm 51 being opposite a part of the lifting arm 51 that is movable arranged with the column 41 . Along the side of the column 41 that is arranged with the steering bar 73, a center module 40 is arranged. The center module 40 extends along the column 41 from the lower part 58 to an upper part 57 of the column 41. Further, the center module 40 may be arranged between the column 41 and the steering bar 73 such that the center module 40 and the steering bar 73 are commonly connected to each other. In the area of the upper part 57 of the column 41 , a pocket 46 is arranged in the center module 40. In the pocket 46 a handle 36 is arranged (see Fig. 4). The center module 40 is arranged to interact with the steering bar 73 whereby both the center module 40 and the steering bar 73 firmly are connected and arranged with the column 41.

[0082] The pocket 46, which may be arranged as a cutout, is arranged to cooperate with the handle 36 that is arranged to be within reach to aid a user, for example a caregiver, in operating the hoist for activating an emergency lowering device 1 (see Fig. 2).

[0083] Fig. 2 illustrates the emergency lowering device 1. In the figure, the components are separated to facilitate understanding of their arrangement within the emergency lowering device 1 , as well as highlighting the spatial relationships between parts, as they would fit together in an assembled state. In the figure, the emergency lowering device 1 is a system comprising several components arranged to cooperate with each other. The emergency lowering device 1 , thus being a system, comprising a brake sub assembly 3 that is cooperating with an electrical motor 4 and a transmission unit 5. The transmission unit 5 is arranged to cooperate with a drum 6. The system comprises a resistor 13. The resistor 13 is arranged to cooperate with the electrical motor 4, and with a switch 29 (see Fig. 3) that is arranged with the brake sub assembly 3. A drive axis 27 is arranged to cooperate with the electrical motor 4, the brake sub assembly 3 and the transmission unit 5. Through the drum 6 a drum axis 7 is arranged. The drum axis 7 is arranged to cooperate with the cord 8 that is arranged to be winded up or winded out from the drum axis 7, which will have the effect that a patient thus can be raised or lowered by the patient floor hoist 2. A brake release arm 10 is arranged with the brake sub assembly 3 and is arranged to be mechanically arranged in a brake mode or in a release mode. The drum 6 is arranged to connect against a holding element 59. The holding element 59 is arranged be connected against an internal side of the base 50 to secure the emergency lowering device 1 to the base 50. The holding element 59 is arranged with a cord opening 56. The cord 8 is arranged to pass through the cord opening 56 towards the drum axis 7 that is arranged in the drum 6. The base 50 is arranged with a base opening 54. The base opening 54 is arranged in a column connecting base 55 that is present on an area of the base 50. The base opening 54 is arranged to be aligned with the cord opening 56 whereby the cord 8 will pass through both the base opening 54 and the cord opening 56. The column connecting base 55 is arranged with a center module opening 53. The center module opening 53 is arranged to receive and connect with part of the lower part 58 of the center module 40. In an alternative design, the column 41 may comprise the lower part 58 and thus be connected to the center module opening 53.

[0084] The resistor 13, being an integrated component of the system (i.e. emergency lowering device), is arranged to dissipate electrical energy during an emergency lowering situation. During an emergency lowering situation, the drive axis 27 arranged with the electrical motor 4 will, because of gravity, rotate whereby the electrical motor 4 will function as a generator generating electrical energy. The drive axis 27 being in cooperative relationship with the brake sub assembly 3 is arranged to transfer rotational movement and interaction with the electrical motor 4. The cord 8 is not shown in Fig. 2, however it is understood that the cord 8 is critical for the actual lifting and lowering function, and that the cord 8 is arranged and attached to the drum axis 7.

[0085] Fig. 3 illustrates the brake sub assembly 3. The figure is an exploded depiction of the different parts and components that make up the brake sub assembly 3 and their interrelation. The components for brake mode or release mode for braking are arranged between a frontal plate 24 and a housing 32. The frontal plate 24 is arranged with a frontal plate opening 60. Through the frontal plate opening 60 the drive axis 27 is arranged to be positioned. The frontal plate 24 is arranged with a latch connecting member 11 that is adopted to cooperate with an end part 72 of a brake release arm 10. The end part 72 is arranged to be releasably and pivotably connected and arranged with the latch connecting member 11 . The brake release arm 10 is arranged with a contact point 23. In its position with respect to the frontal plate 24, the contact point 23 is directed towards the housing 32. The brake release arm 10 is arranged to cooperate with a brake fork 12. The brake fork 12 is made up of a first C shaped part 14 and a second C shaped part 16. The first C shaped part 14 is arranged with a first opening 15. The second C shaped part 16 is arranged with a second opening 17. The first C shaped part 14 and the second C shaped part 16 are connected with each other via a respective middle section such that the first and second opening 15, 17 are faced away from each other. The second opening 17 is arranged with an internal level difference in its surface structure and is associated to be arranged with a brake membrane 19. The brake membrane 19 comprises a slot 20 partly dividing the brake membrane 19 into two parts that may be flexible with respect to each other. The slot 20 extends from a first edge portion 21 and towards an opposite second edge portion 22. Within the first opening 15 a brake pad 26 is arranged. The brake pad 26 is connected with the drive axis 27 and is arranged to have a friction relationship against at least one of the surfaces being either frontal plate 24 and / or a pressure actuator 25. In one embodiment, the brake pad 26 has a frictional relationship with both the frontal plate 24 and the pressure actuator 25. In the brake mode, the brake pad 26 is in brought into friction contact against the at least one of the components being the mention frontal plate 24 or the pressure actuator 25. In the release mode, brake release arm 10 is pushed towards the housing 32, affecting the brake fork 12 to push the pressure actuator 25 towards the housing 32 whereby the brake pad 26 is being freely arranged with respect to the frontal plate 24 and the pressure actuator 25. The first C shaped part 14 is arranged with one or more notches 61 arranged to cooperate with protrusions 62 arranged on the pressure actuator 25. The notches 61 and the protrusions 62 prevent the pressure actuator 25 to start rotating during brake mode. Between the pressure actuator 25 and a housing brake side 67 of the housing 32 a main spring 65 is arranged. In addition, between the brake fork 12 and the housing brake side 67 a first secondary spring 63 and second secondary spring 64 are arranged. The main spring 65, the first secondary spring 63, and the second secondary spring 64, during the brake release arm 10 being in brake mode and don't provide a push force against the brake membrane 19, the mention springs are arranged to push the brake fork 12 and the pressure actuator 25 towards the frontal plate 24 for obtaining a friction contact for the brake pad 26 against at least the frontal plate 24 and / or the pressure actuator 25. On an inside surface of a through hole through the pressure actuator 25, an inner edge 71 is arranged. This inner edge 71 is arranged to cooperate with the main spring 65 whereby the main spring 65, via this inner edge 71 , can push against the pressure actuator 25.

[0086] Against an upper surface 31 of the housing 32, a switch 29 is arranged. The switch 29 is arranged to have electrical cooperation with the electrical motor 4 and the resistor 13. Further, the switch 29 is arranged to have mechanical cooperation with the brake release arm 10 via a push-button 30 that is arranged on the switch 29 and facing towards the frontal plate 24. During release mode, the brake release arm 10 will move towards and push against the push-button 30 whereby the electrical motor 4 and the resistor 13 will be brought into cooperation with each other. The cooperation will allow electrical energy generated by the electrical motor 4, as a result of gravity from a patient being lowered towards the ground, to be dissipated by the resistor 13 whereby the velocity of the electrical motor 4 functioning as a generator thus can be regulated and managed.

[0087] Against a housing motor side 66 of the housing 32, a suspension console 49 is arranged that is arranged for holding the electrical motor 4. The suspension console 49 comprises a first suspension foot 69 and a second suspension foot 70, which both feet are arranged against the housing motor side 66. On an opposite side to the feet, a suspension end 68 is arranged. The suspension end 68 comprises an adjustment element 52. The adjustment element 52 cooperates with the suspension console 49 and the electrical motor 4 whereby upon need be able to adjust the electrical motors 4 position as well as its drive axis 27 along an imaginary center axis 28 through the brake sub assembly 3.

[0088] Fig. 4 illustrates the center module 40. The figure is presented as an exploded perspective arranged with components being part of and / or related to the center module 40. The center module 40 is arranged to be mounted against the column 41 of the patient floor hoist 2. The center module 40 comprises a front side 37 and a back side

[0089] 39. The front side 37 is arranged with a first bar connector 42 and a second bar connector 43, which both are arranged to cooperate and connect against a steering bar 73. At an upper region of the center module 40 a pocket 46 is arranged. The pocket 46 is arranged to facilitate positioning of a handle 36 arranged to be pulled during power failure to activate brake release mode for performing an emergency lowering of a patient lifted by the patient floor hoist 2. Over the pocket 46 a cover 74 is arranged. The cover 74 has the purpose it may protect the handle 36 arranged in the pocket 46, as well as reduce risk of dust and / or particles to enter into the pocket 46. On the back side 39 of the center module 40, a communication mean 33 extends along the center module

[0090] 40. The communication mean 33 is arranged in a conduit 38 of the center module 40. The communication mean 33 comprises a first end 34 and second end 35. The first end 34 is arranged at a lower region of the center module 40 and is arranged to be guided into the base 50 and connected to the brake release arm 10. The second end 35 is arranged at a top part of the center module 40 and via a pulley 45 guided from the back side 39 via a wire opening 44 through the center module 40 to the front side 37. At the front side 37, the second end 35 is connected against the handle 36. The pulley 45 is rotationally arranged with a connection device on the backside 39 of the center module 40. The pulley 45 has the effect it reduces friction of the communication mean 33 during operation. The communication mean 33 may be made of a steel wire. Steel wire has the advantage it's a standard and commonly available material, as well as it has good and suitable properties, especially regarding strength and durability.

[0091] REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

[0092] 1 emergency lowering device

[0093] 2 patient floor hoist

[0094] 3 brake sub assembly

[0095] 4 electrical motor

[0096] 5 transmission unit

[0097] 6 drum

[0098] 7 drum axis

[0099] 8 cord

[0100] 9 patient lifting device

[0101] 10 brake release arm

[0102] 11 latch connecting member

[0103] 12 brake fork

[0104] 13 resistor

[0105] 14 first C shaped part

[0106] 15 first opening

[0107] 16 second C shaped part

[0108] 17 second opening

[0109] 18 middle sections

[0110] 19 brake membrane

[0111] 20 slot

[0112] 21 first edge portion

[0113] 22 second edge portion

[0114] 23 contact point 24 frontal plate

[0115] 25 pressure actuator

[0116] 26 brake pad

[0117] 27 drive axis

[0118] 28 imaginary center axis

[0119] 29 switch

[0120] 30 push-button

[0121] 31 upper surface

[0122] 32 housing

[0123] 33 communication mean

[0124] 34 first end

[0125] 35 second end

[0126] 36 handle

[0127] 37 front side

[0128] 38 conduit

[0129] 39 back side

[0130] 40 center module

[0131] 41 column

[0132] 42 first bar connector

[0133] 43 second bar connector

[0134] 44 wire opening

[0135] 45 pulley

[0136] 46 pocket

[0137] 47 wheels 48 lower frame

[0138] 49 suspension console

[0139] 50 base

[0140] 51 lifting arm

[0141] 52 adjustment element

[0142] 53 center module opening

[0143] 54 base opening

[0144] 55 column connecting base

[0145] 56 cord opening

[0146] 57 upper part

[0147] 58 lower part

[0148] 59 holding element

[0149] 60 frontal plate opening

[0150] 61 notch

[0151] 62 protrusions

[0152] 63 first secondary spring

[0153] 64 second secondary spring

[0154] 65 main spring

[0155] 66 housing motor side

[0156] 67 housing brake side

[0157] 68 suspension end

[0158] 69 first suspension foot

[0159] 70 second suspension foot

[0160] 71 inner edge end part steering bar cover

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An emergency lowering device (1) for a patient floor hoist (2) comprising:- a brake sub assembly (3) cooperating with an electrical motor (4) and a transmission unit (5);- a drum (6) with a drum axis (7) connected to the transmission unit (5) and adapted to wind a cord (8) connected to a patient lifting device (9) of the patient floor hoist (2);- a brake release arm (10) is arranged with the brake sub assembly (3) and including an end part (72), wherein the end part (72) is arranged to be releasably and pivotably connected to a latch connecting member (11) and arranged to cooperate with a brake fork (12) arranged in the brake sub assembly (3); characterised in that, the emergency lowering device (1 ) is designed with a resistor (13) that is in communication with the electrical motor (4), wherein the brake sub assembly (3) is arranged with a switch (29), which switch (29) is in communication with the resistor (13) and the electrical motor (4) and arranged to engage the resistor (13) to dissipate energy that is generated by the electrical motor (4) during emergency lowering.

2. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 1 , wherein the brake fork (12) is designed comprising a first C shaped part (14) with a first opening (15) and a second C shaped part (16) with a second opening (17), arranged in such a way that the first C shaped part (14) and the second C shaped part (16) are connected at their respective middle sections (18), with the first opening (15) and second opening (17) facing in opposite directions.

3. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 2, wherein the first opening (15) is arranged to cooperate with a brake membrane (19) that is cooperative arranged in thefirst opening (15) and adapted to cooperate with the brake release arm (10) arranged to apply a pressure force against the brake membrane (19).

4. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 3, wherein the brake membrane (19) comprises a slot (20) extending from a first edge portion (21 ) of the brake membrane (19) and towards an opposite second edge portion (22) of the brake membrane (19).

5. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 4, wherein the brake membrane (19) is flexible with respect to parts of the brake membrane (19) divided by the slot (20), and which slot (20) and mention parts of the brake membrane (19) are arranged to receive and cooperate with a contact point (23) arranged on the brake release arm (10).

6. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 3, wherein the brake fork (12) is arranged between a frontal plate (24) and a pressure actuator (25) of the brake sub assembly (3) and upon the applied pressure force against the brake membrane (19) the pressure actuator (25) is adopted to move away from the frontal plate (24) reducing, or removing, a braking friction against a brake pad (26) arranged between the frontal plate (24) and the pressure actuator (25).

7. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 6, wherein the brake pad (26) is arranged cooperating with a drive axis (27) having a parallel extension with an imaginary center axis (28) extending through the brake sub assembly (3).

8. The emergency lowering device (1) of claim 7, wherein the drive axis (27) and the drum axis (7) have a cooperative arrangement whereby upon the gravity force affects to generate rotational movement of the drum axis (7), the rotational movement from the drum axis (7) is transferred to the drive axis (27) having a cooperative relationship with the electrical motor (4).

9. The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the switch (29) is arranged with a push-button (30) adopted to cooperate with the brake release arm (10) to be positioned in an activation resistor (13) mode or non-active resistor (13) mode such that when in an active resistor (13) mode the switch (29) is adopted to affect and adjust connections of phases in the electrical motor (4).

10. The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the switch (29) is arranged against an upper surface (31 ) of a housing (32) of the brake sub assembly (3) with the push-button (30) arranged facing the brake release arm (10).11 . The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the brake release arm (10) via a communication mean (33) comprising a first end (34) and a second end (35), which second end (35) is communicating with a handle (36) arranged with a front side (37) of a center module (40) of the patient floor hoist (2).

12. The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 11 , wherein the communication mean (33) is a steel wire with the first end (34) arranged with the brake release arm (10) and the second end (35) arranged with the handle (36) arranged to transmit a pulling action to the brake release arm (10).

13. The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 11 , wherein the communication mean (33) is arranged in a conduit (38) arranged along a backside (39) of the centre module (40) arranged against a column (41 ) of the patient floor hoist (2).

14. The emergency lowering device (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the resistor (13) has an arrangement in the emergency lowering device (1 ) of the patient floor hoist (2) such that the resistor (13), apart from a connecting surface of the resistor (13) for connectingthe resistor (13) against a heat resistance surface area of the patient floor hoist (2), is spaced apart from neighboring components of the patient floor hoist (2).

15. A patient floor hoist (2) comprising an emergency lowering device (1 ) according to claims 1 -14.

16. A method for emergency lowering a patient arranged in a power failed patient floor hoist (2), the patient floor hoist (2) comprising an emergency lowering device (1 ) according to claims 1 -15, the method comprises the following steps:- applying a pulling force from a handle (36) being in communication with a brake release arm (10) arranged on an emergency lowering device (1 );- applying a pushing force by the brake release arm (10) against a brake membrane (19) of a brake sub assembly (3);- releasing braking friction of a brake pad (26) cooperating with a drive axis (27) and which brake pad (26) is arranged in the brake sub assembly (3);- applying a pushing force by the brake release arm (10) against a push-button (30) arranged on a switch (29) having a communicative relationship with an electrical motor (4), which electrical motor (4) is arranged with the brake sub assembly (3);- activating an electrical connectivity between the electrical motor (4) and the resistor (13) when the push-button (30) is affected by the pushing force from the brake release arm (10);- generating electrical energy from the electrical motor (4) when a drive axis (27) associated with the electrical motor (4) is rotating because of a gravity force applied on a cord (8) arranged with a drum axis (7), which drum axis (7) cooperates with the drive axis (27);- dissipating electrical energy from the electrical motor (4) to the resistor (13);- reducing rotation velocity of the drive axis (27) as electrical energy is dissipating from the electrical motor (4) to the resistor (13) during the rotation of the drive axis (27).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrical energy dissipated by the resistor (13) is converted into thermal energy.

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